The "Chief Bradley Haas Mental Health Firearms Reporting Act" introduces significant amendments to New Hampshire's firearms laws, specifically RSA 159-D and the creation of new chapters RSA 159-G and RSA 159-H. The bill mandates that mental health records be included in the firearms sale process, allowing the New Hampshire judicial branch and the department of safety to report individuals disqualified from firearm possession due to mental health adjudications to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). This includes cases where individuals are found not guilty by reason of insanity or are involuntarily committed. The bill also establishes a process for individuals to voluntarily surrender firearms following certain mental health-related court proceedings.

Furthermore, the bill outlines a procedure for individuals to seek relief from mental health-related firearms disabilities, allowing those who have been involuntarily committed or found not guilty by reason of insanity to petition for a review of their mental capacity to possess firearms after a specified period. The court is required to hold a hearing within 60 days of receiving a petition and may order a psychiatric evaluation. The bill also includes provisions for confidentiality, the Attorney General's role in seeking federal approval for the restoration of rights, and the ability to refile petitions after two years if initially denied. It repeals a previous statute related to NICS submissions and appropriates $1 for costs associated with independent psychiatric evaluations, with an overall fiscal impact expected to exceed $82,000 in FY 2026. The bill will take effect only after federal approval is obtained, with other provisions becoming effective 60 days after passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 159-D:1, 126-AA:2
As Amended by the House: 159-D:1, 126-AA:2